Kindred, the Family Soul Come to Southeast DC for Park Concert Series

Last year, on the hush, word circulated among those of us connected to the east of the river area that soul singer Raheem Devaughn was coming to southeast DC to perform in an impromptu concert. Last year was a re-election year for many of the city's councilmembers, so we looked at this as a re-election gimmick for the sponsoring councilmembers Kwame Brown and Yvette Alexander who were putting on the concert.

Those of us who attended the concert didn't really care though if it was a gimmick. We were so happy to have a high-quality act like Devaughn to be performing in the area for FREE that we lapped it up happily. The concert last year, which took place in Fort Dupont Park, off of Minnesota Ave., SE, was actually part of the summer concert series National Park Services puts on each summer.

However, the concert last year was the last of the series and actually different because the appearance of Raheem Devaughn was a deviation from the acts that typically are part of the Fort Dupont summer concert series. Most of the acts who appear at Fort Dupont are older acts that appeal to an older demographic between the ages of 45 and up. Raheem Devaughn, with his Marvin Gaye-esque vocal style has fans as young as the teens to the 40-somethings.

So, how happy we were to find out at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest that just passed on July 25 that Kindred, the Family Soul was the surprise guest for the final day of the Fort Dupont Summer Concert series. Councilmember Yvette Alexander of Ward 7 let the cat of the bag happily and we spread the word immediately on Facebook. Kindred, the wife and husband music duo are a perfect end to a summer of soul! Make sure you bring your lawn chairs, blankets and plenty of H20 because this one is sure to be packed! Listen to some of their music HERE and Get details for today's event HERE.

Get Your April Calendars Out Now! Good Stuff On the Way...

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts (DFPA) at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland will host an exciting and inspiring week-long series of visual and performing arts events, including a student art exhibition and screenings, a hip-hop, soul/urban art "mini" yard festival and workshop, guest artist/performer lectures; comedy, theatrical and musical performances.

A special artist lecture by Sam Gilliam.

The DFPA announces performances by Bilal Salaam, Jah-I-Witness, Bless Roxwell; live art/video/animation by Jeff Henriquez, Tewodross Melchisua and more; the play, "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" and the FocusonDesign/VCDMA Reality Check: a special portfolio review and career day in the areas of art, design, multimedia, music and entertainment for area students.

Independent and student films, including short and documentary films will be screened, such as “I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak” is a short form documentary that highlights the voices of young black boys between the ages of 11 and 13 years old growing up in New York City, directed by Stacey Muhammad. Also there will be a screening of a moving documentary about Black and Latino youth and the HIV/AIDS epidemic titled, "America's Shadows" directed by Tchaiko Omawale.

The General Public is Invited. Visit HERE for more information and to RSVP on Facebook.

Earth Day Celebration

The wonderful Earth Day celebration above is a production of Groundwork Anacostia River DC in association with the National Park Service. Groundwork Anacostia River DC is headed by Dennis Chestnutt who is the Executive Director and a friend of Liberated Muse Productions. Call him at 202-345-5693 for information on vending or reserving a table.